A strategic option to respond to the power of the New Zealanders who therefore sends Matthieu Jalibert (23 years old, 13 caps), starting opening half in the last two meetings, on the substitute bench.

The opener Matthieu Jalibert and the coach of the XV of France, Fabien Galthié, before the test match of the autumn tour against Georgia, on November 14, 2021 at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux Romain PERROCHEAU AFP / Archives

The Toulousain and the Bordo-Béglais had indeed been associated against Argentina (29-20) then against Georgia (41-15) without however being convincing.

“In the second game, we were able to be behind better and better connect. It took us a few days to find our automatisms. We saw it against Argentina but we did not panic, we knew that It was going to come. Against Georgia, I felt good, I was comfortable, I touched a lot of balls, I was able to create shifts ", recently explained Ntamack (22 years old, 21 sel .) in an interview with AFP.

"I have always said, and I have never hidden it, that my position was opener. But, as long as I'm on the pitch, I don't necessarily have a preference. I fight for it. jersey. My first position is opener, I want people to see me as such and I have already said it. Afterwards, if I am made to evolve in the center for strategic reasons, I will play there with pleasure ", he added.

Romain Ntamack with the XV of France against Georgia in a test match at the Matmut Atlantique stadium on November 14, 2021 in Bordeaux ROMAIN PERROCHEAU AFP / Archives

"My job is opener"

Result, the XV of France would find a little confidence against the legendary All Blacks with the hinge Ntamack-Dupont, champion of France and Europe last season.

To replace Ntamack at the center, it is the former Parisian, now in La Rochelle, Jonathan Danty (29 years old, 9 sel.) Who would take place alongside Gaël Fickou (27 years, 64 sel.), Virimi Vakatawa (29, 30 sel.) And Arthur Vincent (22, 14 sel.) Being injured.

The three-quarter French center Jonathan Darty is tackled by his Georgian counterpart Merab Sharikadze, during their test match of the autumn tour, on November 14, 2021 at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux Romain PERROCHEAU AFP / Archives

For the rest, the Perpignanais Melvyn Jaminet (22 years old, 5 sel.) Could live his sixth consecutive selection at the back while the Toulouse hooker Peato Mauvaka (24 years, 8 sel.) Should experience his second tenure, the first since November 2020, replacing his club teammate Julien Marchand, who suffered a rib injury and forfeited this third and last match of the fall.

French hooker Peato Mauvaka scores a try against Argentina, during their test match of the fall tour, on November 6, 2021 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives

Finally, Fabien Galthié seems to have left to confirm Cameron Woki (23 years old, 10 sel.), Third row of UBB, in second row to associate him with solid Paul Willemse (29 years old, 18 sel.).

"It will be a real test. For three years, we passed a lot of tests but this is special. It's an opportunity to see what we have, what we can improve, what we have need ... At worst, we can learn from this match, "said the Montpellier player.

The second line of the XV of France, Paul Willemse, catches a ball in touch, during the Six Nations match against Scotland, March 8, 2020 at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh Anne-Christine POUJOULAT AFP / Archives

End of the suspense Thursday, with the announcement of the composition at 12 noon.

Then it will be time to think about the All Blacks.

Probable composition of the XV of France: Jaminet - Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Villière - (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap.) - Jelonch, Alldritt, Cros - Willemse, Woki - Atonio, Mauvaka, Baille

© 2021 AFP